Navigating the Funding Landscape in 2026

Raising finance has never been more complex, or more important, for ambitious businesses.

With a growing range of funding options available, from angel investment and debt finance to alternative funding routes, understanding which opportunities are right for your business can be challenging.

Join Crawley Innovation Centre for an expert panel discussion designed to help founders and business leaders navigate the funding landscape in 2026.

Hear directly from experienced funding specialists who work with businesses every day to secure investment, access growth capital and prepare for scale.

Our panel will provide practical insights into the current market, what funders are looking for, common mistakes to avoid and how to identify the right funding strategy for your business.

Meet the Panel

🚀 SE Angels - Learn what angel investors are looking for in today's market, how investment decisions are made and how founders can improve their chances of securing equity investment.

📈 ScaleUp Sussex - Discover the support, programmes and growth opportunities available to ambitious businesses looking to scale and access funding.

💼 James Farrands | Debt Funding & Alternative Finance Specialist - Gain expert insights into growth loans, asset finance, revenue-based finance, alternative lending solutions and how debt funding can support growth without giving away equity.

This event is ideal for founders, start-ups, entrepreneurs, SMEs and scale-ups that are planning growth or considering fundraising over the next 12 to 24 months. Attendees will gain valuable insights, meet like-minded business leaders, and leave with a clearer understanding of the funding opportunities available to support their business ambitions.

Hosted by Crawley Innovation Centre, this free event also offers valuable networking opportunities with investors, advisers and fellow founders from across Sussex and the South East.